ACA National Casting Championships coming this summer

Maxine McCormick at age 12.

The American Casting Association will hold it's 111th annual National Casting Championship July 31st - August 4th at the Pasadena Casting Club in Pasadena, California. Most of the top casters in the world - both fly and conventional - will be on hand to compete for distance and accuracy. Among the many events are Single Hand Distance, Two Hand Distance, Trout Accuracy and others.

Some of the records set at the ACA Nationals include 1-Hand Fly Distance men's of 243 feet (Steve Rajeff, 2009) and women's of 155 feet (Pamela Peters, 2006). The 2-Hand Fly Distance men's record is 294 feet (Henry Mittel, 2011) and women's record of 179 feet (Pamela Peters, 2010). Anglers Fly Distance records include men's of 190 feet (Rene Gillibert, Steve Rajeff), and women's of 150 feet (Alice Gillibert).

And then there's Maxine McCormick. The 15-year-old from Portland, Oregon, is the youngest world champion in fly casting history. She's become a rock star of our sport, featured in a variety of newspapers, magazines and national news. Considered America's top female fly caster, at age 12, she set the junior record for Anglers Fly Distance at 122 feet. Last year, at the World Championship in England, she took the two-handed distance casting title with an incredible 189-foot cast.

Young McCormick isn't just a distance champion. In the Trout Fly Accuracy competition, she has the second-highest score in history, at any category. Her 99 point performance in 2016 is second only to five men who tied with a perfect 100. And all five are casting world champions - Steve Rajeff, Tim Rajeff, Henry Mittel, Chris Korich and Zack Wilson.

Even so, from all reports McCormick has been working on her distance. Now that she's a lot taller, stronger and more refined, there's every reason to believe she will break the women's mark of 150 feet set by Alice Gillibert in 2004 at the upcoming Nationals in July.  You can bet the world will be watching.  

What's happening this week - 5/26 (updated)

With Monday being Memorial Day, some scheduled activities will be adjusted.

On Tuesday, the Red Stick Fly Fishers will hold their monthly fly tying session at the East Baton Rouge Independence Park Library at 7711 Goodwood Blvd in Baton Rouge. Time is 7:00pm. Bring your tools, if none, the club has sets for use during the session. Materials are provided. For more, go to www.rsff.org.

Also on Tuesday, the Kisatchie Fly Fishers hold their monthly meeting at the Rapides Westside Library in Alexandria. Time is 6:30pm. The public is welcome. For details, go to www.kisatchiefly.org.

On Thursday, the New Orleans Fly Fishers hold their monthly meeting at Lakeshore Marina and Fuel across from the Blue Crab Restaurant on Lakeshore Drive. Time is 7:00pm. For more info, go to www.neworleansflyfishers.com.

On Saturday, Orvis of Baton Rouge will hold another "Fly Fishing 101" session at their store on 7601 Bluebonnet Blvd.  Time is 8:00am to 10:30am. No fee, but pre-registration is required as seats are limited. Orvis FF101 is a one-day, 2.5 hour clinic designed to introduce the basics of fly fishing and fly casting. To register, contact 225-757-7286.

Also on Saturday, Pack & Paddle in Lafayette will hold a "Fly Tying Level 1" workshop at their Outpost back of the store on 601 E. Pinhook. Time is 9:30am. Cost is $20. FTL1 is a one-day, 2-hour clinic covering the basics of fly tying, including hands-on tying of two effective flies for Louisiana. Tools and materials are provided for use during the session. Class size limited, so pre-registration is required. To register, go to www.packpaddle.com.

Later on Saturday, Pack & Paddle in Lafayette will hold a "Fly Fishing FUNdamentals" at their Outpost back of the store on 601 E. Pinhook. Time is 1:00pm. Cost is $40. FFFun is a one-day, 3-hour clinic covering the basics of fly fishing, with emphasis on gear, flies, techniques that work on Louisiana waters. Followed by hands-on casting session. Class size limited, so pre-registration is required.  To register, go to www.packpaddle.com.

Arkansas increases funding for trout fisheries

For the thousands of Louisiana fly anglers who enjoy the fantastic coldwater trout fisheries of our neighboring state to the north, there's good news and bad news.

First, the bad news. Recently signed into law, Act 886 of the Arkansas General Assembly increased the cost of the annual trout stamp from $5 to $10 for residents. In accordance, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission last week passed a price increase of $10 to $20 for non-residents. It was the first increase in the trout stamp in 16 years.

The good news is that the increase will be used for better trout management, to maintain and improve trout hatcheries, and increase trout stockings in some waters, such as the Little Missouri River in southwest Arkansas.

Currently all AGFC hatcheries are in need of renovation, and the Spring River hatchery that provides stockings for the Little Missouri and other rivers is running at only 50 percent of historical production.  The increase will also help to fund improved fish habitat and increase angler access areas. 

Free fishing days start next weekend

This coming weekend kicks off National Fishing and Boating Week, a celebration of the importance of recreational boating and fishing in America. Most states, including Louisiana, have designated "free fishing days" either the first weekend or second weekend in June.

Free fishing days are a perfect opportunity to try out fishing for the first time. Or, if you're willing to travel, to partake of fishing in another state without having to purchase a license. Some states may have certain restrictions. For example, you might be able to fish freshwater for free, but still have to buy a saltwater permit or trout permit. So please check before making plans.

Louisiana's free fishing weekend is June 8-9. You can fish fresh or salt over these two days without needing a license.

Adjacent states:
- Alabama, June 8 (both fresh and salt)
- Arkansas, June 7-9 (beginning noon June 7th)
- Mississippi, June 1-2 (both fresh and salt)
- Texas, June 1st (state parks are always license-free with admission)
- Oklahoma, June 1-2

For a complete list of free fishing days in all states, go to www.takemefishing.org. 

Welcome to SweatFest 2019!

The Summer soltice may not be until June 22nd, but seasons in Louisiana are always a few weeks early. Memorial Day weekend is the start of "90-90-90"... 90 days of 90 degree high temperatures and sometimes humidity up to 90 percent. Enjoy the June breezes because come July they go away and the sweating kicks up a notch.

The weatherman doesn't have to work hard this time of year, except when the occasional tropical storm pops up. This year, the National Hurricane Center and NOAA's Climate Prediction Center are calling for a near-normal Atlantic hurricane season. That means to expect between 9 and 15 named storms (winds 39 mph or higher).  Of those, anywhere from 4 to 8 could become hurricanes (winds 74 mph or higher), and 2 to 4 major hurricanes (winds of 110 mph or higher). 

By contrast, in 2018 there were 15 named storms, of which 8 became hurricanes, and 2 became major hurricanes.  None hit the Louisiana coast. Tropical storm Gordon in early September came closest, hitting the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

With SweatFest, comes an emphasis on summer safety. Summer sun and heat brings many dangers to anglers. Heat stroke is the number one threat. Bring an ice chest or cooler tote bag with water and/or sports drinks to stay hydrated. The sun itself is a threat, but does its damage over time. Skin exposed to high UV radiation months can lead to skin cancer. Protect your skin by putting on a high-SPF waterproof sunscreen before you get on the water. Wear long sleeve breathable shirts, a rim cap or a bill cap in conjunction with a gaitor (buff). Always were some type of cover for your feet.

Also be aware that thunderstorms can be a daily occurence in summer. At the first sign of towering  cumulus clouds, start making your way back to the launch (especially if you're in a kayak). Lightning can strike from eight miles away, so waiting for lightning to approach is not a smart option!

What's happening this week - 5/19

On Monday, in lieu of their monthly fly tying session, the Kisatchie Fly Fishers will hold a special program on "Rod Building Basics". Time is 6:30pm.  Roger Breedlove will present on what goes into assembling a custom built fly rod, including the selection of blanks, corks, reel seats and more. Those participating in the club's rod building clinic on June 29th can order blanks at this meeting. For more info, go to www.kisatchiefly.org.

On Tuesday, the Contraband Fly Casters hold their monthly meeting at St. Paul Lutheran Church on 1620 East Prien Lake Road in Lake Charles. Fly tying and discussion at 6:00pm, meeting at 7:00pm.  Guests are welcome. For more info, go to www.contrabandflycasters.net.

Also on Tuesday, the Lafayette Kayak Fishing Club holds their monthly meeting at Pack and Paddle on 601 East Pinhook in Lafayette. Time is 6:00pm. For more info, go to www.lafayettekayakfishing.com.

On Thursday, the New Orleans Fly Fishers hold the 2nd of their twice-monthly fly tying sessions at St. Francis Xavier Church Hall on 444 Metairie Road. Time is 7:00pm. Bring your tools, if none, the club has sets for use during the session. Bring $1 for materials. For more info, go to www.neworleansflyfishers.com.

Also on Thursday, Pack & Paddle will host a free seminar on "Fly Fishing the World" at their store on 601 East Pinhook in Lafayette. Time is 6:00pm. Alaska and Louisiana fishing guide Ron Ratliff will talk about various salmon, rainbow trout, Dolly Varden in Alaska. John Williams will speak on a trip to a remote area of the Yucatan for bonefish, permit, snook and tarpon. Stephen and Lilly Outten will talk on camping and fishing creeks of North Carolina. Barret Bertucci will speak on a DIY bonefish trip to the Bahamas. For more info, go to www.packpaddle.com.

Starting Friday afternoon, it's the 10th annual "Bass On The Fly" fly fishing tournament at Lake Fork Marina in Alba, Texas. It's a CPR tournament with total length of five longest (5) largemouth bass with divisions for Boat and Kayak.  Entry fee is $70 and can be done online at www.ianglertournament.com or onsite Friday. Friday afternoon there's casting games, kayak demos, and from 2:00pm to 6:00pm is the annual Sunfish Tournament (optional $10 entry) followed by the Captains meeting and fishing report. Saturday is bass tournament day with weigh-in at 2:00pm followed by awards and door prizes. Proceeds go to Casting For Recovery and FFI Texas Council. For more info, go to www.bassonthefly.com.

On Saturday, it's the PAC Fly Fishing Journey kayak tournament out of PAC Kayak Rentals in Montegut. Captains meeting 5:00am, shotgun launch is 5:30am, weigh-in from 2:00pm to 3:00pm. Entry fee $25. Heaviest stringer of two slot reds, with Sheepshead and Leopard Red side pots ($5 each). Fly fishing only, boat checks before launch. Human-powered paddle or pedal craft only. Sponsored by Fly Life Company, Chad Foster, Pack & Paddle and PAC Kayak Rentals. For more info, or to register, go to www.packayakrental.com.

What's happening this week - 5/12

On Monday, the Red Stick Fly Fishers hold their monthly general meeting at the Wildlife and Fisheries building on Quail Drive in Baton Rouge. Casting practice at 6:30pm, meeting at 7:00pm. On the agenda: this week's upcoming Spring Catch-n-Eat marsh fishing trip out of Golden Meadow. The public is welcome. For more, go to www.rsff.org.

On Tuesday, the North Louisiana Fly Fishers hold their monthly meeting at the Red River National Wildlife Refuge in Bossier City. Gathering starts at 6:00pm, meeting at 6:45pm, program at 7:00pm. On the agenda: Glen 'Catch' Cormier and Larry Offner will present on the "Magnificient Seven", easy-to-tie panfish flies. Catch will also talk about conservation issues in the FFI Gulf Coast Council. The public is welcome! For more, go to www.northlaflyfishers.org.

On Thursday, the New Orleans Fly Fishers will hold the first of their twice-monthly fly tying sessions at St. Francis Xavier community building on 444 Metairie Road. Time is 7:00pm. Bring $1 for materials. Bring your tools, if none, the club has sets for use during the session. Beginners welcome! For more, go to www.neworleansflyfishers.com.

Also on Thursday, Pack and Paddle will hold a "Fly Tying Happy Hour" at their store on 601 East Pinhook in Lafayette. Time is 6:00pm. Bring your vise, tools, materials, and PnP will bring the beer from Urban South Brewing Company. This event is free and open to all tiers, non-tiers, and anyone who just wants to check out what others are tying. For more info, go to www.packpaddle.com.

On Saturday, Orvis of Baton Rouge will hold another "Fly Fishing 101" session at their store on 7601 Bluebonnet Blvd.  Time is 8:00am to 10:30am. No fee, but pre-registration is required as seats are limited. Orvis FF101 is a one-day, 2.5 hour clinic designed to introduce the basics of fly fishing and fly casting. To register, contact 225-757-7286.

Fly tournament options abound Memorial Day weekend

Competitive fly fishing is all the rage among the growing numbers of under-40 fly anglers nationwide.  And among some of us older folks, too. Taking a page from the kayak fishing community, these events combine comradery with learning experiences and shared knowledge, while doing what we all love most - actual fishing!

Well come Saturday, May 25th - the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend - regional fly anglers have options. Not one... not two... but three (!) tournament options to choose from.  Fortunately, only two are single-day events, the third is summer-long.

First off, Saturday kicks off the annual CCA STAR tournament. Once again, there's a Fly Fishing Division with two regional divisions, East and West. Each division will award a $1,500 gift card from Academy Sports + Outdoors to the fly angler who catches the heaviest speckled trout. Sponsored by Costa del Mar, the fly fishing division has been very competitive the last few years. To participate, an angler must be a CCA member -and- enroll in the STAR tournament (separate fee).  The STAR tournament continues through Labor Day. All rules can be found on www.ccastar.com.

Incidently, while other CCA states have a similiar tournament, only Florida has a Fly Fishing Division. Louisiana CCA members can participate in the Florida STAR if they have a Florida saltwater license and a Florida CCA STAR entry tag. Unlike Louisiana STAR, the FLSTAR is CPR (catch-photo-release) with an approved measuring device. Longest of each species wins. The species list is quite extensive: snook, seatrout, non-tagged redfish, tarpon, grouper, dolphin, and kingfish.

May 25th also is the 10th annual "Bass on the Fly" fly fishing tournament out of Lake Fork, Texas. The BOTF tournament is usually held the first Saturday of May each year, but was rescheduled this year due to the Bassmasters Elite tournament held that weekend on Lake Fork.  

BOTF is a CPR tournament with total inches for five (5) bass. Activities kick off on Friday with free casting clinics, product booths and kayak demos, and the Captains meeting and guide report at 6:00pm that evening. There's also a Big Sunfish tourney from 3:00pm to 6:00pm.  Saturday is the main event with lines-in after 6:00am and weigh-in  before 2:00pm. Categories include Boat and Non-Boat (kayak, canoe, float tube, bank, etc). The event is open to the public. Entry fee is $70 per person.

Registration and fish entry is through the iAngler app. Anglers who register prior to May 15th are automatically eligible for a drawing for a Sage Smallmouth rod.  Proceeds benefit Reel Recovery and the FFI Texas Council. For complete info, go to www.bassonthefly.org.

Also on May 25th, it's the inaugural "PAC Fly Fishing Journey" out of PAC Kayak Rentals in Montegut. This is a weigh-in fly fishing paddle/pedal tournament for two biggest slot reds ($25), with optional calcuttas for Big Red, Leopard Red, and Sheepshead ($5 each). Shotgun launch from the marina at 5:30am with weigh-in from 2:00pm to 3:00pm. Food will be provided at the weigh-in for no extra cost. For more info, go to www.packayakrental.com and click on Fly Fishing Journal.

What's happening this week - 5/5

On Wednesday, the Bayou Coast Kayak Fishing Club and Masseys Outfitters will host the 2018-2019 Masseys Fish Pics Awards Ceremony at their New Orleans location on 509 North Carrollton. Time is 7:00pm (social) with awards at 7:30pm. The Fish Pics tournament is a free, months-long CP (catch-photo) tournament for BCKFC members hosted by Masseys, with Conventional, Fly Rod, and Youth Divisions. The Fly Rod division awards the most points based on total cumulative inches of redfish, speckled trout, and bass. For more info, go to www.bckfc.org.

On Thursday, Orvis of Baton Rouge will hold a weekday version of their "Fly Fishing 101" sessions at their store on 7601 Bluebonnet in Perkins-Rowe. Time is 4:00pm. FF101 is a free one-day, 2.5-hour clinic designed to introduce the basics of fly fishing and fly casting.  No cost, but pre-registration is required as class size is limited. For details, call 225-757-7286.

This Saturday, Pack & Paddle in Lafayette will hold a "Fly Tying Level 1" workshop at their Outpost back of the store on 601 E. Pinhook. Time is 9:30am. Cost is $20. FTL1 is a one-day, 2-hour clinic covering the basics of fly tying, including hands-on tying of two effective flies for Louisiana. Tools and materials are provided for use during the session. Class size limited, so pre-registration is required. To register, go to www.packpaddle.com.

Later on Saturday, Pack & Paddle in Lafayette will hold a "Fly Fishing FUNdamentals" at their Outpost back of the store on 601 E. Pinhook. Time is 1:00pm. Cost is $40. FFFun is a one-day, 3-hour clinic covering the basics of fly fishing, with emphasis on gear, flies, techniques that work on Louisiana waters. Followed by hands-on casting session. Class size limited, so pre-registration is required.  To register, go to www.packpaddle.com.

Also on Saturday, the Lafayette Kayak Fishing Club will hold their annual "Oak Point Classic" tournament at PAC Kayak Rentals in Pointe-aux-Chenes. Entry fee is $25 + $1.25 Paypal fee. Open to the public. Heaviest weight of 2 reds and 3 specks, with a heaviest trout calcutta. Also Leopard Red category. Artificial tackle only. Registration deadline 12 noon, Friday May 10th. Fishing time 6:00am (shotgun launch) to 3:00pm (sign in to weigh deadline). For more info, or to register, go to www.lafayettekayakfishing.com.